[intlink id=”139″ type=”category”]Nick Barnett[/intlink] wants to finish his career with the Green Bay Packers.
He made that abundantly clear Thursday, saying he’s willing to work with the organization to make it happen.
The Packers may have other ideas, though. Barnett has finished two of the last three seasons on injured reserve and would seem to be the odd man out after both [intlink id=”492″ type=”category”]Desmond Bishop[/intlink], his replacement in the starting lineup, and [intlink id=”80″ type=”category”]A.J. Hawk[/intlink] signed new deals with the Packers this year.
The team will reportedly either trade or release Barnett once the labor dispute is over. He’s scheduled to make $5.5 million this season and $6 million next and that’s a lot of money to tie up in four linebackers, after you factor [intlink id=”79″ type=”category”]Brandon Chillar[/intlink] into the mix.
Barnett, however, hinted he may be willing to renegotiate his deal for the opportunity to stay in Green Bay.
“I’m willing to do a lot of things to be a part of that organization, but it’s hard to get the dialogue because of the lockout,” he said. “We can’t get anything going, or any conversations, and see where each other stands. I’m willing to be a Packer and willing to do a lot of things to do it. But we can’t talk, so we don’t know where we stand.”
Barnett is reportedly 100 percent after wrist surgery and (little known fact alert!) 10 tackles shy of the Packers’ franchise record for tackles, which is held by John Anderson (remember him?!?!).
The concern about keeping Barnett is one we’ve addressed before — he could become a distraction if he isn’t the starter. Barnett seems to understand that’s a concern, as well.
“I think the biggest thing they’re worried about is players complaining about playing. If it comes down to that, let the best players play. I don’t have any confidence issues. I feel like I can line up and compete with any of those guys and win. I think they’re all great players, but I know I know how to play this game. I’ve been playing a long time. I’m ready to do whatever.”
He’s definitely saying all the right things and it’s hard not to feel for the guy, hanging in limbo. Nick Barnett has been a good Packer, but whether he comes back in 2011 is very much up in the air.
Stay tuned.
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I ask the following on Pete Dougherty’d chat:
[Comment From BubbaOne: ]
A lot of people are assuming Barnett is history. Yet, TT/MM have kept expensive backups. He can play both ILB positions and it’s more likely Chillar (3 shoulder surgeries) is gone. Your thoughts and what ILB’s in the draft and in what rounds do you like them?
Dougherty: Your point is well taken, Chillar might be the odd man out. I don’t see any way all four ILBs are back, and Thompson made the financial commitment to Bishop and Hawk, so they’re in. One of the two between Barnett and Chillar almost surely is gone. If they draft there, it probably will be in the later rounds
If Chillar is gone and Barnett is willing to behave and renegotiate giving us an experienced backup/nickel LB/defensive signal caller, I would be willing to keep him.
Many a player when in a bad spot due to injury,mouth or both will show a desire to re-commit to what they took for granted.
However,IMO soon or how soon after a new persona is believed and bought,the true persona rears it’s head again while counting green stuff.
Barnett,the NFLN has a contract waiting for you which when on it,the gleam in your eye is stronger than the gleam in the eye when looking at the Packers.
I hope your wrist is strong enough to hold the microphone,oh they don’t use that anymore,so your good to go. BYE-BYE
P.S.
The first sentence is a concern in the word used. I’m WILLING to is not as definitive as I Want to.
Oops, re-read my post. Two mistakes in one sentence…it should be… I asked on Pete Dougherty’s chat.
This is all part of the TT plan. Not much different than Bill Stone Face in New England. Build a winning team players want to be a part of and they will come, full salary or not. I think with all the injuries we should keep Barnett and let them compete. It will bring out the best of all linebackers. TT is a wise one, sly and quiet.
Like James Jones, Nick Barnett lives in Green Bay. If he is willing to renegotiate and take fair pay, then I’m completely fine with keeping him.
should have kept him. i love aj but nick would definately beat him for that starting ilb spot. now where’s the depth, and where else are u going to find a stud that wears vampire teeth as a mouthguard